Yesterday, on the way to the Uinta Mountains, April Olson and I looked for birds in the Kamas Valley. That’s where I took these Sandhill Crane photos.
The Kamas Valley and the town of Kamas are located approximately 42 miles from Salt Lake City. Kamas is known as the “Gateway to the Uintas” and for the scenic beauty that that surrounds the town.
Adult Sandhill Crane foraging in the Kamas Valley – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
There were at least twenty-seven Sandhill Cranes in the first flock we found, foraging in the ranchlands and wet fields. I stopped my Jeep along the side of the road so we could photograph these beautiful cranes.
Some of the Sandhill Cranes appeared mottled because their newer feathers are gray, while the older feathers are stained rusty red.
Kamas Valley Sandhill Crane in August – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Sandhill cranes are known to stain their feathers by rubbing mud on them, which gives their feathers a reddish-brown appearance. This behavior is called “feather staining” and is thought to serve several purposes, including:
- Camouflage: The reddish-brown coloration of the stained feathers helps Sandhill Cranes blend in with their surroundings, making them less visible to predators.
- Hygiene: The mud that Sandhill Cranes rub on their feathers may help to remove parasites and other debris from their feathers.
Adult Sandhill Crane in grassy field in Kamas Valley – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was thoroughly delighted with seeing and photographing the Sandhill Cranes we found yesterday morning. Due to my extended time back east this spring and summer, I had missed out on seeing the cranes arrive to display, breed, and nest in Utah this year.
I would have been perfectly happy if these cranes had been the only birds in my viewfinder yesterday. They weren’t.
Adult Sandhill Crane pre-migration in the Kamas Valley – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
These Sandhill Cranes, along with other cranes in northern Utah, are currently in pre-migration mode. They will soon leave on their journey south to their overwintering grounds. As always, I know that I will miss them when they are gone.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Sandhill Crane photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great shots highlighted by your very interesting narrative. I had no idea that Sandhill Cranes rubbed mud on their feathers. Fascinating! Seems like I learn something new from your posts every day. Thanks Mia.
Beautiful, and I love the lichen colour they add to their plumage.
It sounds like you and April had another great day – which is lovely.
Always gifted to see Sandhills, such an incredibly elegant bird. I live near Jordanelle and heard them this morning outside my bedroom window.
Great photos, Mia
Your photos turned out beautifully. It was fun seeing how mottled they were with molt. Some where very red still. Sorry we didn’t see many colts, or hear them call.
April, I was just thrilled to see all of the cranes! I’m happy we got to share the experience together.